Cats, Mosquitoes, and Silver Vine: A Tale of Euphoria and Protection

In summary, catnip and silver vine both contain iridoids that are responsible for the euphoric response in cats. After conducting experiments with extracted chemicals from the plants, a specific compound called nepetalactol was found to be the most potent. This compound was also found to affect non-domestic cats, such as feral cats and those living in zoos. Interestingly, nepetalactone, a similar compound found in catnip, is known to have mosquito repellent properties. The appeal of these plants to cats may also be related to their aromas, as smells can have a strong influence on an animal's behavior.
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BillTre
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TL;DR Summary
Why are cats so crazy about catnip?
Chemicals, which are also mosquito repealants.
From a Science mag news article.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) and silver vine (Actinidia polygama) both contain chemical compounds called iridoids that protect the plants against aphids and are known to be the key to the euphoria produced in cats. To determine the physiological effect of these compounds, Iwate University biologist Masao Miyazaki spent 5 years running different experiments using the plants and their chemicals.

his team extracted chemicals present in both catnip and silver vine leaves and identified the most potent component that produces the feline high: a minty silver vine chemical called nepetalactol that had not been shown to affect cats until this study. (The substance is similar to nepetalactone, the key iridoid in catnip.)

It can also affect non-domestic cats:
they repeated the experiment with 30 feral cats—and one leopard, two lynxes, and two jaguars living in Japan’s Tennoji and Oji zoos. Big or small, the felines surrendered to the substance, rubbing their heads and bodies in the patches for an average of 10 minutes (see video, above). In contrast, dogs and mice that were tested showed no interest in the compound.

Apparently, nepetalactone is known to have mosquito repellent properties (similar to DEET).
Not that surprising if its supposed to protect the plants from aphids.
 
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To be honest I believe cats like it so much because of the smells. You see aromas are more influential than you might believe. See imagine you go to a doctor the room smells terrible then you go to a doctor's office that smells nice your going to the doctor that smells nice. Why? Because your mind tells you that the one that smells nice is better. So I might be wrong but I believe aroma has something to do with it.
 
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1. What is Silver Vine and how does it work?

Silver Vine is a plant that grows in the mountainous regions of Asia. It contains a compound called actinidine which is similar to the compound found in catnip. When cats come into contact with Silver Vine, they may exhibit euphoric behaviors such as rolling, rubbing, and drooling. This reaction is thought to be caused by the stimulation of their olfactory system.

2. Can Silver Vine protect against mosquitoes?

Yes, Silver Vine has been found to have mosquito-repelling properties. Studies have shown that the compound actinidine is effective in repelling mosquitoes, making it a natural alternative to chemical insect repellents. This is beneficial for both cats and humans, as it can provide protection against mosquito-borne diseases.

3. Is Silver Vine safe for cats?

Yes, Silver Vine is safe for cats to consume. In fact, it has been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries. However, as with any plant, it is important to monitor your cat's consumption and make sure they do not ingest too much. It is also recommended to consult with a veterinarian before introducing Silver Vine to your cat's diet.

4. Can Silver Vine be used as a natural alternative to catnip?

Yes, Silver Vine can be used as a natural alternative to catnip. While not all cats may respond to Silver Vine, it has been found to have a similar effect on many cats as catnip. Additionally, Silver Vine has been reported to have a longer-lasting effect compared to catnip, making it a popular choice for cat owners.

5. Are there any other benefits of Silver Vine for cats?

Aside from its euphoric effects and mosquito-repelling properties, Silver Vine has also been reported to have potential health benefits for cats. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-anxiety properties. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of Silver Vine for cats.

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